Police want to speak to a teenager who was caught on camera hanging his head out of a car window travelling at 120mph.

The 30-second clip, which was posted on YouTube, shows a grinning teenage boy winding down the window of a car and sticking his head out as the vehicle hurtles down a road in Crawley.

The clip is titled “120mph head out window almost hits tree”. The driver and another passenger in the car laugh as it appears that the car swings close to a tree and their friend toys with death.

Last night the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) condemned the motorist and his passengers for putting their lives in danger as well as risking other people’s lives.

A spokesman said: “People involved in pranks like this might think it is just a bit of fun, and they themselves might not be injured – although that always remains a possibility. But even if they are not hurt, the distraction caused to the driver could result in an accident in which an innocent person may be injured.”

Sussex Police want to talk to anyone who knows the boy or any of the people involved in the life-threatening stunt.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “We are anxious to speak to anyone who knows the individuals involved in this irresponsible incident.

“Dangerous driving of any kind is not tolerated.”

The person who posted the video has also posted stunts including a teenager attempting to lift a 95kg weight.

Chief Inspector Mark Trimmer, from Sussex Police’s road policing unit, said: “We have been working hard to reduce the number of casualties and collisions on the Sussex road network.

“Roads in and around Crawley are subject to regular patrols by officers in both marked and unmarked vehicles.

“Regular operations are conducted, targeting inappropriate and unlawful use of vehicles.

“Unmarked cars are used on a daily basis to target those whose driving puts others at risk.

“In addition, officers conduct regular static speed checks.

“We would like to remind people of the need to drive responsibly.

Anyone found committing offences will be dealt with robustly.”

Anyone with any information should call Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.